Navigating A Driver’s License Suspension (2026)

Common Causes of Driver’s License Suspension

Often, driver's license suspensions happen after significant or repeated violations of traffic laws. However, there are some instances where your license can be suspended for reasons unrelated to driving, such as:

• Arrest or conviction for DUI or reckless driving
• Accumulation of too many points on your license
• Failing to pay fines for parking tickets or criminal offenses
• Getting caught driving without insurance
• Drug offenses, in some jurisdictions
• Failing to pay child support or spousal support
• Having an active warrant for your arrest

Most of the time, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will make sure you know that your license has been suspended or is about to be suspended.

How to Check Your Suspension Status

Do you think there’s a possibility your driver’s license has been suspended? If so, it’s wise to try to find out why. Getting caught driving on a suspended license can have a considerable negative impact on your life, and ignorance of the suspension won’t be enough to avoid facing penalties.

These are a few ways you can check to see if your license has been suspended, including:

• Visit your state’s DMV or driver services online portal
• Contact the DMV directly
• If your state uses a point system, keep track of the points accumulated

You should also make sure the address on your license is up to date. Generally, the DMV will mail you a notice if your license has been suspended.

How Long a Suspension Typically Lasts

How long a suspension lasts depends on the reason for the suspension. If you’re ticketed for a minor violation, your license suspension could be as short as 10 days. For more serious infractions like aggravated DUI, the suspension may be a year or more.

Can You Get a Restricted License While Suspended?

If your license is suspended, many states allow you to get a restricted license, which is also called a hardship license or limited driving privilege. Usually, this license restricts where, and sometimes when, you can drive. You’ll often be allowed to drive for essential purposes like these:

• Work
• Education
• Court-ordered community service
• Court-ordered substance abuse treatment
• Household maintenance, like grocery shopping
• Religious worship
• Medical care in an emergency

These licenses may not be available to you in all circumstances. A DUI lawyer or an attorney who focuses on traffic law may be able to determine whether you qualify.

What Happens if You Drive With a Suspended License?

Driving on a suspended license may seem convenient in the moment, but it can result in far more problems down the line. In many jurisdictions, driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense. You may face thousands of dollars in fines and even spend time in jail. Some jurisdictions will also impound your vehicle.

Many people mistakenly believe that if your license is suspended in one state, you may legally drive in another state. This is not true. If you’re caught, law enforcement will likely notify your home state. You can then be charged with driving on a suspended license.

Steps to Reinstate a Suspended License

Each jurisdiction has its own procedures for reinstating a license, but the process usually works like this:

• Complete any requirements, like traffic school or alcohol education classes
• Pay any required fines
• Wait out the suspension period
• Obtain proof of insurance
• Bring program completion certificates, proof of insurance and other documents to the DMV

If your license has been revoked as opposed to suspended, you may also need to retake your driving test before you get a new license.

How Insurance Is Affected by Suspension

If your driver’s license is suspended, it can impact your insurance in a few possible ways. Some insurers may see you as high-risk and end your coverage. Others may simply raise your rates substantially.

Sometimes, you may be required to obtain SR-22 insurance after a suspension. This means that the insurer must notify the DMV if you cancel the policy or let it lapse. Because of this additional requirement, SR-22 policies can be very costly.

Difference Between Suspension and Revocation

Some people use the terms “suspension” and “revocation” interchangeably when talking about driver’s licenses. However, there’s an important difference:

• Suspension pauses driving privileges but doesn’t void the license
• Revocation voids a license, and you must reapply after the revocation period

Under very serious circumstances, revocations can also be permanent. For instance, many states will permanently revoke your license if you’re convicted of a certain number of DUIs.

Dealing With a Driver’s License Suspension?

If your license has already been suspended or is about to be, you may be worried about how you will get to work, buy groceries and handle other everyday situations. This is where the right attorney may be able to help. A lawyer can work to negotiate a restricted license or argue for a shorter suspension.

However, if you’ve never had to hire a lawyer before, you may be unsure of how to do so. That is where our knowledgeable team comes in. ConsumerShield focuses on matching people in need of legal help with skilled lawyers in their area. Fill out our contact form to get started with a free case evaluation today.